The influence of (n-n')-mixing processes in He*(n) + He(1s²) collisions on He*(n) atoms' populations in weakly ionized helium plasmas

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The results of semi-classical calculations of rate coefficients of (n-n')-mixing processes due to collisions of Rydberg atoms He*(n) with He(1s²) atoms are presented. It is assumed that these processes are caused by the resonant energy exchange within the electron component of He*(n)+He collision system. The method is realized through the numerical simulation of the (n-n')-mixing processes, and is applied for calculations of the corresponding rate coefficients. The calculations are performed for the principal quantum numbers n, n' in ranges 4 ≤ n < n' ≤ 10, and the atom and electron temperatures, Tₐ, Tₑ, in domains 5000K ≤ Tₐ ≤ Tₑ ≤ 20000K. It is shown that the (n-n')-mixing processes can significantly influence the populations of Rydberg atoms in non-equilibrium weakly ionized helium plasmas with ionization degree 10⁻⁴. Therefore, these processes have to be included in the appropriate models of such plasmas.